Councilman Tom LaBonge's Weekly Newsletter: Window Smashing, Langer's Pastrami and More

[The information below was provided by the Office of Councilman Tom LaBonge.]

The first stage of Tour LaBonge was a smashing success this Thursday night, with a peloton of Angelenos that was dozens strong. The cyclists rode up Main Street to the Los Angeles Historic State Park and then headed east for Boyle Heights. After a ride through Little Tokyo, the group finished where it began: in front of the Sister Cities sign by City Hall. There will be five more rides is this evening bike ride series, scattered throughout Council District 4. All helmeted riders above 12 years of age are welcome to join along.

LAPD Makes Arrests in Window-Smashing Case

On June 13 at 4:30 a.m., LAPD Wilshire patrol officers detained a car linked by Wilshire Burglary Detectives to previous commercial burglaries involving stolen merchandise and cash. After conducting a field investigation, officers were able to find evidence that connected the driver and another suspect to a burglary that had occurred just thirty minutes before. The suspects were arrested and booked. Wilshire Detectives wish to emphasize the value of high-resolution video surveillance equipment, which played an important role in this investigation.

Hollywood Community Plan To Come To Council

Seven years in the making, the Hollywood Community Plan has been scheduled to come before the Los Angeles City Council on June 19. The last Hollywood Community Plan was written in 1988.

The LA Kings Take Downtown with Stanley Cup

Councilmember Tom LaBonge stands together with Councilmember Joe Buscaino atop a celebratory open-air bus in honor of our Los Angeles Kings. Downtown came to a standstill on Thursday morning as the Kings paraded their Stanley Cup along Figueroa Street. Thousands of excited fans flooded the streets to witness the festivities. This is the first hockey championship in Kings history. The Los Angeles Police Department, patrolling the parade in full force, reported no major issues or arrests.

Councilmember and LAPD Visit Robert Burns Park

The Los Angeles Police Department Olympic Division set up a command post at Robert L. Burns Park this week to field questions from constituents.  Councilmember LaBonge stands with officers and a new flag he gave to the park in honor of Flag Day. The police officers were available for any concerns from local residents, ranging from crime questions to neighborhood watch programs.

Langer's Celebrates 65 Years Serving LA

Councilmember LaBonge was at Langer's Deli today to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the restaurant's opening with owner Norm Langer and his wife Jeannette. It was in June 1947 that this MacArthur Park institution began serving up hot pastrami on crispy rye. Today and tomorrow, a #19 -- pastrami with cole slaw, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese on rye -- is free to all patrons.

Preserving the Miracle Mile

This month City Council approved a motion establishing the Firestone Tire Building at 800 South La Brea as a Historic-Cultural Monument. Constructed in 1937, this building is an excellent example of Streamline Moderne style. It has been a Firestone tire shop since the day opened, and it is just one more treasure on the Miracle Mile that will be protected for its historical significance.

Hollywood Boulevard Closure

All drivers should be advised that all lanes of Hollywood Boulevard will be closed between Ivar Avenue and Normandie Avenue on Saturday, June 30, 2012 for the Carnival from the Carribbean Parade and Festival. Closures will follow the parade beginning at Normandie at 11 a.m. and heading west to Ivar. Traffic will be allowed at certain times throughout the parade route.

TV Pilots Shot in Los Angeles

FilmLA has released its annual report of television pilot production. 91 percent of all television comedy pilots produced this year were shot in the Los Angeles area, while just 29 percent of television drama pilots were shot here. Overall, 6% more pilots were shot in Los Angeles than were shot here one year ago. FilmLA estimates that $262 million was spent on pilot production in Los Angeles this season.

Upcoming events

Tour LaBonge '12: Stage 2

On Thursday, June 21, Tour LaBonge continues with an evening bike ride, "Positively Fourth Street," along mid-Wilshire's bicycle boulevard. Cyclists will meet at 6 p.m. at Shatto Park and the ride will go until 8 p.m. with police escort. For information on this and future rides, contact sharon.shapiro@lacity.org or call 213.485.3337 or 323.957.6415.
Shatto Park
3191 W. 4th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
See the flyer.

Summer Solstice Hike

Join Councilman LaBonge and the Los Angeles Consular Corps for the annual Summer Solstice Hike Wednesday, June 20 at 5pm on the first day of summer for the sunset hike up to the peak of Mt. Hollywood. We'll meet at the Charlie Turner Trailhead, at the north end of the Griffith Observatory Parking Lot.

Salute to the London Olympics at the Coliseum

The Summer Olympic games are right around the corner and Councilman LaBonge wants to recognize London's great achievement in hosting the games and the enduring friendship between these two Olympic Cities.
June 25, 2012, 8:30am
LA Memorial Coliseum
3911 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037

Toluca Lake Streetscape Planning Workshop

The Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council Planning and Land Use Committee is having an open house to discuss future streetscape plans along Riverside Drive and Lankershim Boulevard. All residents and property owners are invited to attend.
Monday, June 18, 2012
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
10106 Riverside Drive
Los Angeles, CA 91602

Griffith Park Lecture Series

Presented by Friends of Griffith Park, this free lecture is entitled: "Living with Griffith Park's Mountain Lion." It will be held at the Immaculate Heart High School Cafeteria on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.
5515 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(Use the parking lot entrance on Western Avenue.)